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I like that duology a lot. Both sides are violent, and both sides want to survive. In this book, the monsters are not well defined because they depend on each one's goals. I always love an urban fantasy with supernatural characters in a setting recognizable like home. I do recommend reading the first book.

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Sequels are usually only okay, so I was nervous when I picked this one up. I really loved When Among Crows, so my hopes were up. I was not disappointed. This story takes everything When Among Crows built and makes me fall even more in love with the characters. Learning more about the knights was excellent, fleshing out this world even more. Again, Veronica Roth reminds us (when are we all going to listen to her?!?) that the self-proclaimed good guys are never good, and the enemy are people, living, breathing, loving, dying people. The real monsters always show themselves eventually. Thanks again Veronica.

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Veronica Roth is an author that I have enjoyed reading over the years. This book is descriptive in its violence and many of the characters are sadistic. I found the descriptions of cruelty to be off putting, but the story overall is well written. The world is well realized, and I did care about some of the characters. I would give it 2 stars for what I consider excessive descriptions of pain and violence and 4 stars for the world building and character development. I am splitting the difference and giving the story 3 stars.

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Beautiful second installment to the Curse Bearer series. Reading To Clutch a Razor was like slowly seeping across the veil into a world so full of life and mysticism that every breath just makes you want to sink further in. Wonderful crossovers between slavic fantasy and modern fantasy, this entry to the series was a great sequel that almost outshines the first book.

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I am feral after reading this. I cried through the whole thing, and once I finished it I had to sit with myself for a while and process it. I read it through two days, and only really stopped so I can work. I found myself looking up some terms, but others I was familiar with already. The entire book felt like a haze of nostalgia, and I found myself homesick for places I've never been. I will read anything Veronica Roth produces, but I really hope there's more in this series after this. I'm anxiously awaiting anything new.

Thanks Tor and Netgalley for this arc!

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I loved the first book, When Among Crows, and I didn't think a sequel could live up to it. I am happy to have been wrong. To Clutch a Razor is a delightful read. I love the magic that Roth has created in this series, both what the Knights use and what the creatures create. There's so many different cultures represented in the various creatures mentioned throughout the story. And our three protagonists are well established with their own personalities and wants and needs. I enjoyed the shifting points of view as well, as it helped illustrate parts of the story better than if it had just stayed with our three protagonists. Overall a wonderful read, and I'm so excited to see if there's more in the future.

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Expands upon the world and characters in the first book so well, loved it which isn't surprising I'm a huge fan of roth, the ending implies a third book (yay!)

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Veronica Roth's To Clutch a Razor is the anticipated sequel to When Among Crows, continuing the Curse Bearer series with a compelling blend of Slavic folklore, urban fantasy, and introspective character development. Set against the backdrop of a perilous family gathering during the Empty Night funeral rite, the narrative follows Dymitr as he returns to his homeland with the intent of acquiring a cursed book to settle a debt with the legendary witch Baba Jaga. However, he must navigate the treacherous dynamics of his monster-hunting relatives, where the distinction between ally and adversary becomes increasingly blurred. Roth skillfully intertwines intense action sequences with poignant moments of character introspection, crafting a story that delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the essence of monstrosity. As Publishers Weekly notes, Roth "creates a fascinating magical world full of colorful mythical creatures," maintaining a narrative pace that keeps readers engaged throughout. With its rich mythological elements and emotionally resonant storytelling, To Clutch a Razor is a standout addition to contemporary fantasy literature, appealing to fans of dark folklore and character-driven narratives.

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The feeling there was something I just didn't catch was so overwhelming I actually went back to check that I had read the first book. I did, it seems, but my biggest takeaway was "an indistict sense I was missing something." Points for consistency then...

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This novel is the charming second entry of our entry into a modern day world of monsters and knights who are groomed to kill them. Roth's weaving of mythos and characters, like Baba Jaga, into our world makes for an interesting combination that you want to delve deeper into. Looking forward to a 3rd.

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Just as good if not even better than the first one! You get a lot more insight into each of the characters with more POVs while also getting a lot more lore on the history and background of the world/ characters.
Leaves room for another sequel or a few more even and I am really hopeful and excited that we might get to see more of the characters!! I really love what Roth has done with these novellas and I hope she writes lots more of them!!

Something that would be kind of similar to these would be The Witcher series

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Amazing sequel! I would love a whole series of these little novellas. The world building is outstanding: gritty and dark and urban. The relationship is sweet. I can't wait to see if Roth does anything more with these in the future.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title.

A satisfying second instalment leaving room for a 3rd which I will definitely be reading. Easily a 4 to 5 star series.

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A spectacular follow-up to When Among Crows. Dymitr returns to Poland with Ala, hoping to hide his feelings and true nature from his Knight family, who still zealously believe in the cause. But when he realizes Niko is in his hometown too--and there to hunt--that all goes out the window. Now, Dymitr must choose between love, family, and doing what's right. Roth captures Dymitr's conflicted feelings wonderfully and seems to be setting up the potential for many many more books, which I, for one, am thrilled about.

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To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth, a well written book that piqued my interest. Sadly this one ultimately failed to hold my interest. I do think others will enjoy it and thank you for giving me a chance with it.

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An absolutely fantastic sequel!! Roth expands and deepens the enthralling world she created in When Among Crows, following our trio of characters from the New to the Old Country as they deal with the consequences of the previous novella. Slightly longer than its prequel, To Clutch a Razor gives the reader a dual dose of character work and action -- frankly a delicious combination, especially since we get to see more of Dymitr's family, its role within this world, and how he fits in after the events of When Among Crows.

I absolutely gobbled up this story, reading it in only 2 or 3 sittings. I am absolutely recommending my library purchase, and I plan to pre-order my own copy too!

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This is a brilliant follow-up that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s dark, gripping, and rich in folklore that pulls you into a world where family is both a refuge and a battlefield. The exploration of family duty and what it means to be a monster resonates so deeply. Roth does an amazing job of weaving in the Slavic folklore. The pacing is relentless, and the nightmarish family gathering adds a touch of both dark humor and horror; every page turned, I was left wondering what Dymitr would do next. The writing style pulls you into the chaos and keeps you questioning who’s friend and who’s foe. It’s a perfect mix of tension, family drama, and challenges. Undoubtedly perfect for book lovers who are into darker fantasy with emotional depth and complex characters.

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The second the sequel to the absolutely wonderful When Among Crows Was announced, I’ve been counting down the days until it was in my hands! Likes it’s predecessor, I read it in one feverish sitting. Rich with Slavic folklore and colored with a Shakespearean level of drama, To Clutch a Razor was the perfect follow up that left me dying for another instalment. And the dynamic between Dymitr and Niko - j love it beyond words. With tons more backstory and a plot that just kept building and building, it’s the perfect set up for what (I hope!) will be a culmination to the riveting story that began in When Among Crows and continued masterfully in To Clutch and Razor.

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When Among Crows was one of my favorite reads of 2024.

When I heard there was going to be a sequel, I was thrilled.

I knew it was going to be good. I had no idea it was going to be this good.

I loved the first book because it delved so deep into Eastern European Mythology and created characters that were flawed and 'human' and made me care so deeply for them.

All of that is true about this book too. But what I loved most was the underlying question of what really makes a monster?

The Knights would have you believe that monsters are anything that isn't human. But throughout this book we see the love, kindness and care that is shown by Ala and Niko, creatures not considered human. And then we see the hatred and harm caused by Dymitr's grandmother and mother, humans, but with none of the compassion humanity should be known by.

And then about halfway through you think: 'The Knights are the monsters.' And then we are kindly reminded by Dymitr that "Knights, like the creatures they hunt, are people.'

'Humanity' has nothing to do with how human you are or aren't. It has everything to do with how you treat those around you. A lesson more people could take to heart in our day and age.

Thank you for writing such an incredible book. It's one that I won't quickly forget.

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